The rise and rewards of solo travel
A rising trend towards holidaying solo is reshaping our idea of what travel can be.
Image credit: Getty/ Zigres
A rising trend towards holidaying solo is reshaping our idea of what travel can be.
We all dream of seeing the world. But traditionally, that’s been the preserve of couples or friendship groups, with the singletons among us wondering whether to stay at home, go visiting relatives or friends, or compromise what we want so that we can join someone else’s holiday.
But that’s changing.
Recent figures show that there’s never been a more popular time to go it alone. Solo travel searches were up by 35% year-on-year in April 2024 according to Mintel, and it’s not just for the youngsters.
Saga’s own research into bookings by the over-50s in the UK reveals that 20% of older people will be travelling alone this year, and almost half will end the holiday with new long-lasting friendships or even romance.
What’s more, not only are the over-50s at the heart of this shift; but women seem to be more ready to embrace the change and holiday solo more than men.
So if you’re on the fence about solo travel, read on to be inspired. You’ll be joining a growing movement.
Research from Kayak and Open Table says September is revealed as one of the most popular months for holidaying alone, a trend that’s increasingly on the rise.
According to Solo Traveler, there are myriad reasons people step into solo adventures. Some want to see the world, and don’t want to wait for others; some have a partner who doesn’t want to travel.
Others don’t have a partner or have lost a loved one. Most say they like the feeling of freedom and independence, and some just want to do what they want, when they want.
And in an age of expanding our minds, many solo travellers are looking for personal growth, too – aware that travelling solo gives them space to think, and time to indulge themselves in the sights they want to see, and the experiences they want to have, without compromise.
Nicky Bannerman, a marketing consultant from Suffolk, says the quality time for yourself is priceless.
"When my youngest left for university a couple of years ago and my nest was empty, I immediately set off solo travelling in Italy. My aim was to fill an empty void, and where better than the land of opera music, divine art, incredible culture, and of course, the home of Italian food, wine and prosecco? I wandered around visiting 23 towns and cities and even learnt Italian in Florence, really living my own 'Eat, Pray, Love' journey.
“I would thoroughly recommend solo travel in your 50s, 60s and beyond. It’s quality time for yourself and works brilliantly as a re-set for any big transition in your life,” she adds.
“And just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. I met new friends (one female friend I met up with again in the USA last year) and I even had a new romance in Italy. You chat to new people daily, and get invited to join people for dinner and regular socials. There’s time to mingle, roam free and have ‘me time’ too.”
Saga's travel survey reveals that it's women who are heading the trend for solo trips, making up 28% compared to men at just 12%. And what’s striking is that women aged over 80 are the most likely to go alone.
The Solo Traveler data found that men and women have different motivations for travelling solo, as well as different barriers. Women often embrace lone travel for deeply personal reasons: to seek empowerment or self-discovery, or to overcome personal challenges. Wellness and self-care experiences are more important for women than men, too. This is reflected in the kinds of holidays we choose.
Safety and security tend to be the biggest concerns for women travelling alone. Women often choose destinations known for being safe, and they take precautionary measures like researching local customs and use of travel apps.
Women may also choose to stay in women-only accommodation or take women-only tours for more comfort and to connect with like-minded travellers.
Male solo travellers, however, are often driven by their desire for adventure, exploration and independence.
They are likely to participate in adventure sports and physical activities, and to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer unique experiences. Research shows that the biggest deterrent for men when considering a solo trip is that the costs may be higher compared to travelling with others.
Still, the data is clear that regardless of gender, the collective over-50s are choosing to travel solo to pursue personal interests, explore new cultures, or simply enjoy some "me time" without the need to coordinate with others.
Not only that: travelling solo also makes us more open. Some 47% of respondents who have travelled on their own told Saga that they had made friends they’ve stayed in touch with, while 11% had made a romantic connection during their solo trip.
Some solo travellers are looking for more time in a destination they may have whisked through earlier in life, perhaps while backpacking. According to the Good Web Guide, if they do re-create the trips they made as young travellers in the 1980s or 1990s, this time around they’re doing it in style, with many opting for upgraded accommodations and more leisurely schedules.
And because Saga Cruises offers VIP transfers from home to the airport, it means there’s less admin and mind-clutter for solo travellers. They can simply focus on relaxing and enjoying, from door to shore.
Forward-thinking holiday companies are prioritising the needs of solo travellers.
John Constable, CEO of Saga Travel Group, says: “20% of cabins on Saga’s ocean ships are dedicated to solo travellers, and at least 12 cabins are set aside for them on the smaller river ships.
“Those cabins are appointed for one person, rather than the default two seen in most travel accommodation, so guests are not made to feel as though someone else is missing from the trip. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet other guests when travelling alone, from on-board events to excursions for solo travel.”
Stephen Cole, 66, a semi-retired moderator from Cheltenham, is a repeat solo cruiser. He says: “The cruise market today really embraces solo passengers. Cabins and suites are being altered and there are daily solo meeting groups on board. But to be honest you don't always need them.
"There’s a high chance you will meet so many like-minded people outside those groups it won't be long before you will be part of your own group of new friends, solo or not.”
The message is clear. For reasons that range from a more soulful and authentic encounter with the sights and sounds of travel, to love and friendship, the over 50s are increasingly eager to explore the world on their own terms – and it’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.
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